Organizers expect around 150,000 to attend this week’s Solheim Cup but with the ongoing pandemic, there won’t be many fans from the European side. Not even for players.
“It’s unfortunate that none of our families are here to share this experience,” said European veteran Anna Nordqvist. “Solheim Cup is a very big moment for me and my family. They come and dress up, and it’s one of few tournaments they’re all able to come to. So that will be hard for all of us and especially from, maybe those who can’t share this first-time experience with their families or their close friends that really want to be here.”
Golfers on the 10th hole during the first round of the LPGA Drive On Championship at Inverness Club. (Photo: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports)
European captain Catriona Matthew tweeted that her home club, North Berwick, in Scotland would be staying open late so that members could watch the Solheim on television together.
“Rather than just thinking we’re going to have a few fans,” said Matthew, “we’re kind of really expecting very, I mean, basically about zero fans. Obviously a few Europeans who perhaps are living in the States can make it here, but it certainly won’t be the same presence that we normally have at an away match.
“But I think the players are going to be mentally prepared, so I think it just gives them another challenge and another thing to try and overcome and get that victory.”
English
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Spanish